Modular Unit for a Convertible

Abstract

The invention relates to a modular unit for a convertible vehicle, comprising a transverse stiffening structure that separates an occupant space from a rear stowage space and a rollover protection system with a first module, attached to the body, with guide devices for a second module, movable between a lowered rest position and an elevated support position, with at least one rollover element, in which a releasable holding device for holding the second module in its rest position, a locking device, by means of which the second module can be automatically supported in a position deviating from its rest position against a force acting in the direction of the rest position, and a drive system, by means of which the second module can be biased in its rest position and moved, as required, in the direction of its support position, are provided. According to the invention, the modular unit comprises at least parts of a convertible top and is designed as a unit that can be preassembled outside of the vehicle and then inserted into the vehicle. As an alternative or in addition, the modular unit comprises seat elements.

Description

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS [0001] This application claims priority to German Patent Application No. DE 10 2005 028 929, filed on Jun. 22, 2005. TECHNICAL FIELD [0002] The invention relates to a modular unit for a convertible vehicle. BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION [0003] It is known to provide rollover protection systems, having a rollover element, like a rollover bar, in convertible vehicles, to create a survival space for occupants in the event of vehicle rollover, which is allocated to an individual vehicle seat or several vehicle seats and is concealed in its rest position in a cassette attached to the vehicle, from which it can be moved abruptly to an upper support position on recognition of a vehicle accident and can be locked in this support position. [0004] Rollover bars generally used in practice typically consist of a U-shaped bar, whose tubular arms are guided vertically in vertical tubes of a module fastened to the vehicle. In the interior of each arm, a coil s...

AI Technical Summary

Benefits of technology

[0018] In this way, final assembly of a vehicle is significantly accelerated and the throughput of completed vehicles is increased.

[0060] The locking device is therefore arranged in a region of the modular unit that is occupied in the rest position of the second module by the rollover bar in the transverse direction of the vehicle, so that a large pass-through opening can be provided between the guide devices of the arm elements. In addition, with this configuration of the locking device, which utilizes the components of the synchronization device, the number of components is reduced.

Problems solved by technology

A problem in such rollover bars that span the entire width of the vehicle with guiding of their arms in the corresponding vehicle seat is that a so-called drawer effect is often observed, which is understood to mean tilting or jamming of the rollover bar during its activation, as a result of manufacturing tolerances or lack of synchronization of the drives acting on the arms of the bar.

These modular units are often delivered parts, which must be joined in time-intensive fashion during final assembly, so that the through-put of vehicles in final assembly is adversely affected.

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